Goshen City Court safe for four more years

December 22, 2006|YONIKA WILLIS Tribune Staff Writer

GOSHEN -- Despite discussions about its closing, Goshen City Court will remain open for at least four more years. City officials were considering closing the court in 2008 because of an increasing deficit. A vote on the matter was to be taken at Tuesday night's City Council meeting, but Mayor Allan Kauffman requested the item be removed from the council's agenda. "It is apparent from recent discussions with council members there is inadequate consensus to close City Court at the end of 2007," Kauffman said in a written state- ment. "I prefer there be stronger agreement." City officials estimated the cost to run the court this year at $431,000, but the court is projected to bring in only about $400,000. In his statement, Kauffman said he believes all council members agree that it is only fair that county government return some of the funds sent to them from City Court in order to eliminate property subsidy. "Council members and the public who have argued for its continuation agree that Goshen's City Court benefits more than just Goshen city residents," he said. "However, it is only Goshen's property taxpayers who subsidize its operation. "If in 2010 (when the next vote on the issue can be made), property tax is significant," Kauffman wrote, "a prudent mayor and city council should reconsider the issue." Staff writer Yonika Willis: ywillis@sbtinfo.com (574) 235-6556